The USA Today reports that the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is now a full unit of the National Park System, following approval by Congress. This means federal dollars, rangers and a visitors center, as well as preservation of the historical site and ruins at Concord, Calif.
Before you go!
Access to the new national park is restricted because of its location on the grounds of the base, which was turned over to the Army in 2008 and is now known as Military Ocean Terminal Concord. Visitors to the memorial must file applications two weeks in advance and undergo security clearance, says Tom Leatherman, deputy superintendent of the National Park Service in the East Bay area.
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009, introduced by Rep George Miller in February, was signed by the President today as part of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act. I know we all feel safer now.